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FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS October 20, 2013 3:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium — Florence Referee: Nicola Rizzoli MATCH PREVIEW Oct 18, 2013 Fiorentina host Juventus on Sunday, hoping to break the Old Lady’s 15-year unbeaten run in Florence. Juve are La Viola’s bitterest rivals. Throughout history, the animosity has often reached boiling point. There was the 1981-82 Scudetto, when a controversial penalty and disputed disallowed goal handed the title to Giovanni Trapattoni’s Juventus at the expense of a furious Fiorentina. http://markting10.nl/ The 1990 UEFA Cup defeat to the Turin side is another sore point. The choice of Avellino as Fiorentina’s ‘home’ ground - the Artemio Franchi was suspended - was seen to favour Juve, who won 3-1 on aggregate. On the same day, Roberto Baggio announced he was swapping Viola for Bianconeri. It was the ultimate betrayal. The most recent flare up occurred last summer. With Dimitar Berbatov reportedly on a plane to Florence - fans were ready to greet him at the airport - reports emerged suggesting Juventus had intercepted the deal. They were true. Ultimately, the Bulgarian rejected both, signing with Fulham. A Fiorentina statement, however, branded Juve ‘arrogant’ and insisted Berbatov ‘didn’t deserve our city’. With both sides scrambling around Serie B and then having subsequent struggles in the top flight, the rivalry perhaps lost a bit of its edge for a time. http://markting10.nl/ The arrival of first Antonio Conte at Juventus, then Vincenzo Montella at Fiorentina has revived both clubs. The heat has grown once more. History has often favoured Juventus. A 3-2 win in Turin five years ago was an all too rare victory for Fiorentina. On and off the pitch the Old Lady have always seemed to have the edge. But the Viola are trying to fight back. Their ability to keep Stevan Jovetic out of Juve’s clutches was key, while Montella has built an exciting side. http://markting10.nl/ However, to beat Juventus on Sunday, they will have to show character, a facet that has deserted them this term. A spirited showing at Dnipro aside, Fiorentina have thrown away advantages against Inter, Parma and Cagliari. In contrast, Juventus have come from behind in four matches. It is that ability to win regardless of the performance that gives them the edge. It is worth a seven-point advantage at this stage - potentially the difference in a Scudetto challenge. Fiorentina must show they can take that next step. They are close. Sunday offers an opportunity to make such a statement, while ending 15 years of frustration. Montella insists his wants to ‘satisfy the fans’. With Mario Gomez and David Pizarro unavailable, the Coach will call on Joaquin and Massimo Ambrosini. http://markting10.nl/ For Conte, Sebastian Giovinco is set to be preferred to Fernando Llorente. Simone Padoin will also start, while Fabio Quagliarella and Mirko Vucinic are injured. Keep an eye on: Sebastian Giovinco (Juventus) – Reborn? No-one is quite sure. The Atomic Ant’s composed finish against Milan was out of keeping with his sometimes flustered nature in front of goal. Now 26, Giovinco is no longer a promising youngster. He needs to prove his worth to Juve. Having seemingly moved ahead of Llorente in Conte’s thinking, he has a chance to do so. Form Guide: Fiorentina (D W L D D) Juventus (D W W W W) Last season: Fiorentina 0-0 Juventus Stat fact: It is 15 years since Fiorentina beat Juventus at the Stadio Artemio Franchi Fiorentina (probable): Neto; Tomovic, Rodriguez, Savic; Cuadrado, Ambrosini, Borja Valero, Aquilani, Pasqual; Joaquin, Rossi Juventus (probable): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Padoin, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Tevez, Giovinco http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Dino Zoff insists he was better than Gianluigi Buffon Oct 18, 2013 Italian legend Dino Zoff says he isn’t offended by those insisting he isn’t the best Italian keeper of all time, though he firmly believes he was better between the sticks than current custodian Gianluigi Buffon. http://markting10.nl/ The current Juventus ‘keeper became the most capped player for the Italian national side with 137 caps, following his appearance against Denmark in the recent World Cup Qualifiers, prompting many to proclaim him as the best glovesman in Italian football history. “I’m not offended if someone says I’m not the best Italian keeper of all time,” Zoff told Premium Calcio. http://markting10.nl/ “But to those who say Buffon is better than me, I say no.” Zoff played 479 times for Juventus, winning six Serie A titles and two Coppa Italia titles, as well as returning to coach the side and win a Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup double. Zoff also won the World Cup with the Azzurri in 1982 and was listed as Italy’s best player of the last 50 years in 2003 by the FIGC.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS October 20, 2013 3:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium — Florence Referee: Nicola Rizzoli How Juventus Will Line Up Against Fiorentina Oct 18, 2013 Juventus travel to Florence this weekend to start a massive few days for the Bianconeri. http://markting10.nl/ A rivalry with the Viola will be resumed before the Old Lady look to put some life into their Champions League campaign with Real Madrid a few days later. With Napoli and Roma starting the season superbly, alongside poor results against Copenhagen and Galatasaray, Antonio Conte will have to go all-out at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Sunday. Gianluigi Buffon's form has been patchy of late and it is not just his club form that has been discussed recently. http://markting10.nl/ During the international break, the Italian press ran plenty of stories contemplating whether Federico Marchetti or Salvatore Sirigu could legitimately grab a starting place this late in the day as the World Cup approaches. The 20-year-old goalkeeping sensation Nicola Leali—currently on loan at Serie B outfit Spezia—was also mentioned and could compete with Buffon as early as next season for a starting role. Marco Storari's future is unclear with an agreement yet to be reached on a renewal to his current deal, and it appears unlikely that Conte would consider dropping Italy's No. 1 just yet. http://markting10.nl/ The back three is almost assured with Angelo Ogbonna yet to provide a serious threat to any of Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini or Andrea Barzagli. Stephan Lichtsteiner missed the last match against Milan, as well as both international matches for Switzerland against Albania and Slovenia, with a thigh injury, and it appears as if his absence will be prolonged. Mauricio Isla has been dreadful when afforded an opportunity to stake a claim for a regular place in the side, pushing Conte to select the less-dynamic Simone Padoin, who performed adequately enough against the Rossoneri in the Swiss right-midfielder's absence to keep his place this weekend. http://markting10.nl/ Most fascinating is the selection dilemma for the three centre-midfield places, as Paul Pogba has proven in Claudio Marchisio's absence that he is ready to claim a starring role. l'architetto @juventus_fc_fan Vidal missing the Fiorentina game could be a blessing in disguise. He played both of Chile's games. I would rather have him rested for Real. Now that Il Principino is fit again though and Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo remain some of Conte's most trusted troops, there is a doubt as to who will feature in Juve's midfield for the big matches. http://markting10.nl/ Conte's decision has been made easier for the Serie A clash against Fiorentina though, as El Guerrero returned late from his international duty with Chile, angering the Mister and prompting him to consider dropping the 26-year-old. We can expect Vidal to miss out this weekend, but moving forward, there is still a mystery as to who will be the one to miss out on a more regular basis. Kwadwo Asamoah endured a lengthy journey during the international break, playing for the Black Stars in Ghana against Egypt, but it is expected that he will be fresh enough to feature from the start. http://markting10.nl/ Tarek Khatib @ADP1113 Juve went from having Bendtner & Anelka as 4th & 5th strikers to Llorente & Giovinco - some upgrade that one. The strike force will be led by Carlos Tevez, of course, but even with injuries to Mirko Vucinic and Fabio Quagliarella, Conte has another selection problem. Sebastian Giovinco scored a stunning goal to seal the victory against the Diavolo in the last round, but Formica Atomica will face a battle with Fernando Llorente to start next to El Apache. Given that the Viola's defence is more physical than agile, the former Parma star could be more effective against the likes of Gonzalo Rodriguez and Stefan Savic. Expected XI: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Padoin, Marchisio, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Giovinco. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS October 20, 2013 3:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium — Florence Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Preview: Fiorentina vs. Juventus Oct 18, 2013 Fiorentina will host Juventus in Serie A on Sunday as bitter rivals clash for the first time this season. Juve travel to Tuscany looking to maintain an unbeaten start to the campaign and have a terrific record at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, going 15 years without a league defeat in Florence. http://markting10.nl/ Bianconeri coach Antonio Conte has selection issues ahead of the clash, with Arturo Vidal yet to report for training after missing his flight back from international duty. Vidal's absence could give Paul Pogba the chance to return in central midfield alongside Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio, while Sebastian Giovinco is hoping to partner Carlos Tevez in attack. Fiorentina are still without Mario Gomez through injury, but Giuseppe Rossi should be fit to lead the line after featuring for Italy in midweek. http://markting10.nl/ Recent Form: Fiorentina: WDWLDD Juve: WDWWWW Possible lineups: FIORENTINA: Neto; Tomovic, Rodriguez, Savic; Cuadrado, Ambrosini, Borja Valero, Aquilani, Pasqual; Joaquin, Rossi JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Padoin, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Tevez, Giovinco Sports Mole says: 1-2 http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS October 20, 2013 3:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium — Florence Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Who should play against Fiorentina, Sebastian Giovinco or Fernando Llorente? Oct 18, 2013 Sometimes, injuries can make things awfully tough on a manager. He might lose an important player or two at a certain position and have to completely shuffle the deck in order to try and replace what he now sees sitting in the stands for the time being. Other times, though, it can make a manager's job easier. Personnel choices get cut down and potentially easy to make. http://markting10.nl/ We're not exactly sure which one of these two options Antonio Conte's choice for Juventus' forward partnership against Fiorentina this Sunday falls into, but we know a thing or two already. Mirko Vucinic is hurt. Fabio Quagliarella is hurt. Juventus are left with three strikers on the roster unless everybody's favorite superhero, Nicklas Bendtner, is walking through the Turin airport any time soon. This could be a good thing when it comes to narrowing down the choices Cone has to line up and roll with against Fiorentina. Or, it could make the decision of who to start next to Carlos Tevez just that much harder. http://markting10.nl/ We know Tevez will play. That's as safe of a bet as there is right now. But who will play next to him? That's still up in the air until Conte possibly tips his hand during his pre-match press conference on Saturday or we see the lineups less than an hour before kickoff in Florence. David Amoyal @DavidAmoyal Fiorentina-Juve: Giovinco is favored over Llorente to partner with Tevez, Padoin is ahead of Isla & Motta to replace Lichtsteiner (GdS) So, who you got? http://markting10.nl/ The case for Fernando Llorente We've been waiting for the day when the stars align and the tall Spaniard gets his shot at consistent playing time in a Juventus jersey. And this could very well be his first chance to really get a stranglehold on a starting spot over the next couple weeks with both Vucinic and Quagliarella battling injuries. The devil's advocate will say that Llorente got his first shot at "consistent" playing time when he got the start against the two Verona-based clubs late last month. But two games isn't exactly what you call a huge sample size to say whether or not somebody is back to being who they used to be after such a long period of time away from the field. http://markting10.nl/ I think it's safe to say Llorente showed some flashes during his two-game stint in Juventus' starting lineup last month. He was clearly nowhere near full strength three-plus weeks ago, but it would have been hard to imagine he would be. His goal against Hellas Verona was a beauty, a classic kind of header. He was able to get involved in the build up play and showed a few of his tricks and flicks in the process. Was that enough to convince Conte that Llorente is ready to take a step up or two in competition? I don't know. But I also haven't seen what Conte has seen in training the past two weeks over the international break in which Llorente could very well have continued to understand and establish his knowledge of his manager's system. So I'll leave this here to ponder: If the plan was to have Tevez and Llorente be the starting striker tandem, no matter how long it took the latter to adjust and shake off the rust, why not roll it out in two of the biggest matches this season thus far? http://markting10.nl/ The case for Sebastian Giovinco We talk about how little Llorente has played this season, but Giovinco has played a fewer amount of minutes by a pretty good margin. Outside of his start in the Turin derby, Seba has played all of 34 minutes in three appearances off the bench in Serie A thus far. That's, uh, not very much at all. What does this all mean? Well, I'm not exactly sure other than Giovinco is rested. Okay, so maybe there's more to it than that. http://markting10.nl/ He obviously has very different characteristics than the other strikers on the Juve roster. He won't have a physical presence that somebody like Llorente would be up front, but that's just stating the obvious. His added flair alongside Tevez could be what is needed to break down a Fiorentina defense that has been, at least by the statistics, one of the better collective units so far this season. They might not be in their best form right now, but we saw last season just how a Vincenzo Montella-managed Viola side can keep Juventus under wraps. Just don't expect him to be on the receiving end of very many crosses, you guys. (Even though he will now score the game's lone goal with his head since I've typed that last sentence.) He wants to be a part of this Juventus team, right? Well, if he gets the chance to play, it's time to show he deserves even more opportunities when everybody is healthy. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS October 20, 2013 3:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium — Florence Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Marchisio: 'Pizarro like Pirlo' Oct 18, 2013 Juventus man Claudio Marchisio praised Fiorentina’s David Pizarro as “the best after Andrea Pirlo” in midfield. http://markting10.nl/ The two sides go head-to-head on Sunday at 15.00. “It is going to be a very difficult game,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “We saw it last season, as the trip to Florence was probably the only one where we were unable to impose our style on the opposition. “We are going to encounter a fiery atmosphere, as their Coach Vincenzo Montella has put his stamp on the team and they have so much quality in midfield. http://markting10.nl/ “They have Pizarro, who after Pirlo is perhaps the best in that role. He creates the Fiorentina play and has great quality, so if we are able to block him then we’ll cause them a few problems.” There is a bitter rivalry between the two clubs and their fans, which has sometimes spilled out on to transfer dealings. http://markting10.nl/ “Who is this game more important for? Both sides need to drop as few points as possible in this phase of the tournament, so we can keep up with the leaders.” Roma and second-place Napoli face off this evening, so it is an opportunity for Juventus to take advantage. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Llorente a worry for Del Bosque Oct 18, 2013 Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque is concerned about Fernando Llorente’s situation with Italian giants Juventus. http://markting10.nl/ The forward moved to the Old Lady in the summer on a Bosman after his contract with Athletic Bilbao had expired. However, he has so far failed to establish himself in the first team plans of Coach Antonio Conte. “I worry about all those who do not play regularly,” he told reporters at an event in Las Palmas when asked about the centre-forward. http://markting10.nl/ “We are experiencing a phenomenon where a lot of our players are moving abroad,” continued the 62-year-old. “It is not harmful, it enriches us, but there are players in great teams that face a lot of competition for places.” Llorente has scored once in four Serie A games. He has been used for a total of 173 minutes in the Italian top flight and just 26 minutes in the Champions League.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS October 20, 2013 3:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium — Florence Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Giovinco or Llorente for Juve? Oct 17, 2013 Juventus boss Antonio Conte will have to decide whether to start with Sebastian Giovinco or Fernando Llorente against Fiorentina on Sunday. http://markting10.nl/ The tactician’s attacking options have been reduced for the Tuscan trip given the injuries to Mirko Vucinic and Fabio Quagliarella. Conte will now use the next three days to decide whether Giovinco or Llorente will begin alongside Carlos Tevez in attack. The latter has been a regular fixture in the side so far this season given that he has appeared in all seven of the side’s League games this term. http://markting10.nl/ The Argentine and Arturo Vidal are the club’s top scorers in the championship thanks to three goals each. Tevez is currently 7/1 in the Serie A top goalscorer market. Juventus, who will face Real Madrid in midweek, are expected to be tested in Serie A on Sunday at the Artemio Franchi. http://markting10.nl/ Juventus are odds-on with Paddy Power to win Serie A, but there are doubts over whether they can collect a third successive championship. Although they have won six and drawn one of their seven League games so far, they have already conceded six goals in the process. The Bianconeri are currently joint second in the Italian top flight with Napoli, two points behind leaders Roma. Those two teams will play each other in Rome tomorrow night. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Moratti: Agnelli was just joking Oct 17, 2013 Inter chief Massimo Moratti has looked to cool the furore caused by a Facebook post from Juventus President Andrea Agnelli. http://markting10.nl/ The latter yesterday published a joke about the capital of Indonesia being changed from Jakarta to Jakartone following Inter’s sale to Indonesian businessman Erick Thohir. The jibe was a play on words with regard to the so-called 2006 Scudetto di Cartone – cardboard Scudetto – which was taken away from the Old Lady and handed to the San Siro club following Calciopoli. http://markting10.nl/ “You had a good laugh at the Jakartone jibes? Yes, because it came to me in a text message which was very warm towards both me and the club,” Moratti stated on Inter’s website. “So it was a joke that I thought would end there, yet then, perhaps naïvely, it appeared elsewhere. “Anyway, that's end of it,” he added. “There is no response to it whatsoever. It was a joke that ends there.”

Ancelotti promises a better Real Oct 17, 2013 Carlo Ancelotti has warned Juventus to expect an improved Real Madrid side when the two meet in the Champions League next week. “We are trying to change something, to play more possession football and this change takes time,” Ancelotti told the Corriere della Sera after his summer move from Paris Saint-Germain. http://markting10.nl/ “Indeed, so far we have played games badly and our problems have been compounded by the fact that Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have always won. “We have to play better, the criticism that we have received has been with substance. Here the fans are demanding and they are right to be. “As a Coach I can say that in the next matches, Malaga and Juventus at home, and Barcelona at the Camp Nou, we will do better. http://markting10.nl/ “This is also because we cannot play worse than we did against Levante and Elche.” The 54-year-old knows Juventus well given his previous coaching stint with the Old Lady of Italian football. “I do not know if Juve have dropped in intensity or not,” the tactician continued. “I only know that the Italian League has increased in competition. http://markting10.nl/ “They seem to be a solid team, with a well-defined style of play. “Andrea Pirlo is always a guarantee and will continue to be for a long time. I wanted him with me at Chelsea but it was not possible. For Andrea we will be prepared – he will be marked by two bulldogs. “Why the poor relationship between me and the Juve fans? To a section of their fans I was always considered an opponent. I have always been seen with the shirt of Milan or Roma.”

Gattuso: Pirlo still the best Oct 17, 2013 Gennaro Gattuso has underlined the continuing importance of former teammate Andrea Pirlo to Juventus and Italy. http://markting10.nl/ “He and Francesco Totti remain the best players in the country,” the recently sacked Palermo boss told Tuttosport. “Andrea is 34, he is no longer a kid, but he is the first person to be aware of that. And it is only normal that he is not in top shape every Sunday. http://markting10.nl/ “We are good friends and we often speak with each other. I know him really well and I can guarantee that he is in good form right now. “I thought he did well against Milan before the international break and on Tuesday with the national side. “He provided Mario Balotelli with one of ‘his’ assists against Armenia.” http://markting10.nl/ Pirlo’s club future is in some doubt given that his contract with the Old Lady is set to expire at the end of the season. Gattuso played alongside the playmaker for Milan and Italy.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS October 20, 2013 3:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium — Florence Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Rossi looking to defeat Juventus Oct 15, 2013 Fiorentina’s Giuseppe Rossi is dreaming of a weekend goal against Juventus – a club who he admits came close to signing him in the past. http://markting10.nl/ The striker is now back to full service after missing the majority of the last two seasons with a recurring knee problem. “We are coming off two horrible home draws against Cagliari and Parma,” he told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “We need three points. “Now I’m thinking of a goal against Juventus because I live in the present and not the future. Don’t ask me about the Maracana, the World Cup, the Champions League. http://markting10.nl/ “All I want to do right now is try to beat Juventus.” The Old Lady, who are aiming for a third successive Scudetto, are currently in second place after winning six and drawing one of their seven League games so far this term. “If you are able to limit the influence of Andrea Pirlo then you have a nice advantage,” added the former Parma and Manchester United man. http://markting10.nl/ “Juve are in pole position for the title, but the other teams are close.” Rossi joined Fiorentina in January from Villarreal, 18 months after Juventus contacted the Spanish club for his services. “Talks with Juventus a few years ago were very active, but then Villarreal qualified for the Champions League and they didn’t sell anyone.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Pirlo always delivers in big games, says Gattuso The former Palermo coach is confident that the veteran playmaker will rise to the occasion at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night. Oct 17, 2013 Gennaro Gattuso has voiced his admiration for Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo ahead of next week's vital Champions League match against Real Madrid, claiming that his former AC Milan team-mate always delivers when it matters most. http://markting10.nl/ The Serie A champions desperately need a good result at the Santiago Bernabeu next week after drawing their opening two games, against Copenhagen and Galatasaray, yet Gattuso has little doubt that the Bianconeri's most influential will show his team the way forward. "Andrea does not feel any fear and is almost always decivise in games like the one at the Bernabeu next week," the former Rossoneri enforcer told Tuttosport. http://markting10.nl/ "It's always been like that with Pirlo. It was already like that with Milan in the Champions League finals and nothing has changed. I tended to get all nervous and could hardly sleep, whereas Andrea always kept his calm. "Andrea is 34 years old, he's not a kid any more and he's the first to acknowledge that. You cannot expect him to be on top of his game every Sunday." Pirlo has made nine appearances for Juventus so far this season, scoring once in the process.

Juventus have quality players, warns Ancelotti Madrid's boss believes the signings of Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente has added an extra dynamic to the side and feels Real Madrid will have to be at their best to beat them. Oct 17, 2013 Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has warned of the quality at Juventus' disposal ahead of next week's Champions League encounter. http://markting10.nl/ The Spanish champions host the Serie A holders on Wednesday with four points separating the sides after just two rounds of matches, but Ancelotti insists they will face a stern test to record a win at Santiago Bernabeu. "Juventus are very motivated and very well organised, with quality players," the 54-year-old was quoted as saying on the official Uefa website. "They've signed some important players in the summer, like Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez who have given the team some extra quality. http://markting10.nl/ "They have played together for three years under the same coach and it's a well-structured club. Those are their biggest qualities." Juventus have collected two points from their opening two Group B games with Copenhagen and Galatasaray, while Madrid have recorded wins in each of their first two games.

Buffon: I nearly joined Barcelona The experienced goalkeeper claims he spurned the chance to join the Blaugrana in 2001 in favour of remaining in Serie A with Juventus. Oct 17, 2013 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has revealed that he turned down the chance to join Barcelona in 2001. http://markting10.nl/ The Italy international was one of the most sought after shot-stoppers around at the time after a number of impressive seasons with Parma and the Blaugrana were keen to lure him to La Liga. The Catalans even made an offer for the Italy international, but Buffon ultimately opted to remain in Serie A by joining Juventus - a decision he is adamant he does not regret. "I could have joined Barcelona in 2001," Buffon told Mediaset. http://markting10.nl/ "However, I decided to join Juventus after discussing it with my father and I'm still grateful for it. Being at Juventus is a unique experience and has brought me a lot of satisfaction. "And let's not forget that Barcelona back then were nothing like the team they are now." The 35-year-old admitted he was thrilled to sign a new contract with the Turin giants earlier this year and is determined to continue playing at the highest level for as long as possible. http://markting10.nl/ "My contract renewal was another milestone for me. I could have gone to Eastern Europe for a lot of money, but I opted to stay at Juventus. "I want to keep on playing for many more years and I want to keep on surprising people." Buffon, who surpassed Fabio Cannavaro's record of 136 international caps for Italy last Friday against Denmark, signed a deal to stay at Juventus until 2015.

Pogba: I'll wait for France chance The 20-year-old has been recently getting a run in les Bleus' first time but says it is up to Didier Deschamps on whether that continues. Oct 16, 2013 Paul Pogba says he is willing to wait for his chance with France's first team. http://markting10.nl/ The 20-year-old midfielder has featured intermittently for the national team under Didier Deschamps following impressive performances at club level with Juventus. And Pogba, who has played in les Bleus' last three games, is aware that he may have to accept being rotated but is determined to take his chance when he gets it. "It depends on the coach. When I'm on the pitch I give 100 per cent," he told L'Equipe. http://markting10.nl/ "I don't want to deceive the French staff or my team-mates. I feel like a France player. If I have to be on the bench, I'll be there and I'll be ready to play." Meanwhile, talks between Pogba and Juventus over a new deal could well happen over the next few weeks, according to reports circulating in Italy on Wednesday. http://markting10.nl/ Mino Raiola, Pogba's agent, is due to meet with representatives of the Bianconeri at the end of this month despite Juve president Andrea Agnelli recently admitting it would be hard to turn down a good offer for the midfielder. Pogba's current contract expires in June 2016.

Buffon: 'I could've joined Barca' Oct 16, 2013 Gigi Buffon revealed he “could’ve gone to Barcelona” in 2001, but thanks his father for steering him towards Juventus. http://markting10.nl/ The goalkeeper has become an icon in Turin, staying on even after Calciopoli and their demotion to Serie B. “Before joining the Bianconeri in 2001, I could’ve gone to Barcelona,” he told Sport Mediaset. “My father suggested Juventus. I still thank him to this day, as I had many satisfying moments here. The Barcelona back then was not the same team as today. http://markting10.nl/ “Signing a contract renewal in 2013 was another important step. I decided to stay at Juventus, even though I had an important offer from Eastern Europe that would’ve made anyone wobble. “I hope to play for a few more years, as long as I will be able to surprise the way I always have done in my career.” Buffon went back to the beginning and the decision to join Parma as a teenager. http://markting10.nl/ “I was wanted by Parma, Milan and with more moderate interest also Bologna. My parents did well to choose Parma, as they considered it more suited to a 13-year-old. Any parent, perhaps rightly, would’ve preferred to say their child played for Milan, but they worried about finding the best place for me to grow up. “My Serie A debut was a dream come true, but then again at the age of 17 I was already an audacious kid. I knew I wouldn’t be a flash in the pan and wanted to write important pages in the history of this sport. “I won a great deal with Parma, but there are regrets I never won the Scudetto with them. Perhaps we were too young and immature to find the consistency needed.” http://markting10.nl/ There is another trophy Buffon is yet to win for Juventus or any other club – the Champions League – and next week he’ll face Real Madrid. “They say Real are not going through a good moment, but the truth is that with their players it doesn’t take much to turn the situation around. It might be unsporting, but I do hope they face us with empty tanks. “A victory against Real Madrid would boost our self-confidence. We need to start a winning journey in Europe too.”

Pogba set for extension talks Oct 16, 2013 Juventus are soon expected to hold talks with the agent of Paul Pogba in an effort to extend his contract. http://markting10.nl/ The Frenchman, signed in the summer of 2012 when his deal at Manchester United expired, is tied to the club until June 2016. However, the Old Lady are ready to reward the player for his progression in Turin with a new improved agreement. French international Pogba, according to the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport’s annual salary charts, currently nets €1m a season. http://markting10.nl/ The 20-year-old’s representative, Mino Raiola, will reportedly meet with officials towards the end of this month or at the start of November. Pogba has played in all seven of Juventus’ League games so far this season, scoring one goal in 605 minutes of action.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS October 20, 2013 3:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium — Florence Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Fiorentina 'wouldn't swap' with Juve Oct 15, 2013 Fiorentina director Daniele Pradè insists he “wouldn’t swap” his team or Coach Vincenzo Montella with Juventus. http://markting10.nl/ The two arch rival clubs go head-to-head this weekend and there’s no love lost between them. “Would I exchange Antonio Conte with Montella? Absolutely not. He’s the tactician we’re counting on and we’re growing together,” director of sport Pradè told Radio Blu. “I do have to recognise Conte is a Coach capable of transmitting his character to the squad. Juventus are a winning side and we too are trying to bring in a winning mentality. http://markting10.nl/ “This is a match that means a great deal to everyone in Florence and it’s different to all the others. We know how much the fans and club want to do well. “What do Juventus have more than Fiorentina right now? Their ability to deal with results. Their team was constructed in order to win, whereas we have a different budget, but I still wouldn’t change our squad with theirs. http://markting10.nl/ “After all, we have 12 players away on international duty at the moment, whereas Juventus have only nine. “We are convinced that we can start an important era at Fiorentina.” (Yes, like 50 years ago!) http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Pogba: I'm happy at Juve Oct 15, 2013 Paul Pogba has insisted that he is committed to Juventus, despite rumours that he could leave the club in the summer. http://markting10.nl/ President Andrea Agnelli admitted last week that the club would not be able to turn down a huge bid for the French youngster. As such, the rumour-mill has gone into overdrive with varying reports linking the midfielder with everyone from Paris Saint-Germain to Arsenal. “PSG? I don’t know about that,” he told Le Parisien. “I am happy at Juventus. I have already told you that. http://markting10.nl/ “Words of a potential sale don’t bother me. At the moment, I’m with the national team and only want to talk about that. “Once I’m back in Turin I’ll comment. I just take care of what happens on the pitch, [agent] Mino Raiola takes care of the rest.

Juve open to £40m Pogba sale? Oct 15, 2013 Reports in England suggest that Chelsea may be lining up a £40m move this January for Paul Pogba and that Juventus may be prepared to accept. http://markting10.nl/ The Bianconeri’s President Andrea Agnelli indicated just last week that the club would find it difficult to turn down particular offers for the young Frenchman, who continues to impress into his second season in Turin. The Express lead the way in the UK today as indicating that such an offer is imminent and set to arrive from Chelsea. http://markting10.nl/ It is suggested that Juve have already quoted a price of £40m at which to begin negotiations, with a planned £15m investment themselves then lined up for Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke.

Brits push on for Pirlo Oct 15, 2013 Reports are that clubs from England are pushing hardest to try and turn Andrea Pirlo’s head for next summer. http://markting10.nl/ The Juventus regista is out of contract at the end of the current season and is already attracting speculation as to his intentions come next June. With negotiations for a renewal in Turin seen as due only in February-March time, reports have been that the likes of Real Madrid and Inter may be interested in talking to the 34-year-old. However, on from Gianluca Vialli’s assertion last week that Tottenham are leading the way for Pirlo, reports today are that the Premier League is where the most interest is so far. http://markting10.nl/ Milannews.it believe that Spurs are pushing strongest for the Italy international but are only leading a group that also contains Chelsea, Arseanl, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United. It is believed that this group of six, led by Andre Villas-Boas’ side, are increasingly pressing on with interest in Pirlo, ready to offer deals that at a financial level will be greater than those in Serie A.

Llorente or only Tevez for Madrid Oct 15, 2013 Antonio Conte is reportedly planning starting Fernando Llorente alongside Carlos Tevez against Real Madrid next week, or just the Argentine. http://markting10.nl/ Llorente has so far struggled for regular playing time since moving out to Serie A, but is seen as in contention for a starting berth come next midweek. The Bianconeri will travel out to the Spanish capital for the third matchday in the Champions League group phase likely without Mirko Vucinic due to a thigh injury. http://markting10.nl/ During the international break, Conte is seen as having already begun preparations for the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu and is contemplating either a 3-5-2 or 3-5-1-1 set-up. Should he go for the former, it is seen that Llorente will start against his compatriots, but that if Conte wants just the one striker up top, then it will be Tevez to start.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS October 20, 2013 3:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium Florence Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Jovetic believes Viola can defeat Juventus Oct 15, 2013 Despite nearly joining Juventus over the summer, former Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic believes the Gigliati can beat the Bianconeri on Sunday. http://markting10.nl/ Jovetic joined Manchester City over the summer but he still holds a soft spot for the Viola, and the 23-year-old is confident that his former club can get one over on their hated rivals this weekend. “I always follow Fiorentina because I still have many friends there and I left only two months ago,” the Montenegrin international told Tuttosport. “I have a lot of affection for Florence, for the fans and my former teammates, I still love you all. I have seen many of the Viola’s games. http://markting10.nl/ “They have played well so far while in a few games they have been unlucky. They are still a great team for whom I was very fond of and certainly will be cheering for now. “The Viola will win 1-0 with a goal from Giuseppe Rossi.” http://markting10.nl/ Jovetic admits he was aware of the Bianconeri’s interest in him over the summer, but states he was happy to leave for a club outside of Italy. “It’s true that there was interest from Juve but the president wanted €30 million and I chose to go overseas,” Jovetic concluded. Jovetic scored 40 goals in 134 appearances in all competitions for the Viola from 2008 to 2013. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Paul Pogba: Why Hinting the Frenchman Could Be Sold Is Dangerous for Juventus Oct 14, 2013 Juventus have been faced with some irritating speculation over Paul Pogba's long-term future during the international break, and it's their own fault for inviting it. http://markting10.nl/ The former Manchester United man, who opted to leave Old Trafford on a free transfer in search of more regular playing time in 2012, has been linked with a move to Arsenal and Real Madrid in recent months. The Bianconeri management should be focusing their energies on keeping him in Turin for the next decade, but instead, club president Andrea Agnelli has admitted to Gazetta dello Sport, via Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, that a big-money deal would be hard to resist. Giorgio Chiellini, the Old Lady's stellar central defender, has weighed in on the subject, suggesting that he too could see Pogba departing for a monstrous offer. http://markting10.nl/ He told Gazetta dello Sport, via the Daily Mail: At the moment, Pogba is the biggest talent in international football in his position. If Juve do receive an obscenely high offer for him... just look at the price Bale went for. Paul is settled here and he’ll probably renew his contract, but you never know with the transfer market. Anything can happen. When a club is offered an obscene amount of money for a player it’s difficult to say no. No-one can promise that a player will never be sold. Every player has his price, that's just the way it is. The fact that any player has a price and that everyone is for sale is a given in modern football, as evidenced by Cristiano Ronaldo's mammoth £80 million sale from Manchester United to Real Madrid. Why Chiellini needs to regurgitate that is unclear, and despite altogether not saying too much, he's invited heavy, unwanted speculation to the club. http://markting10.nl/ Juventus are in the process of phasing Andrea Pirlo out of his regista role and pushing Pogba into a more integral one. Antonio Conte is trying to build a future around the precocious French talent, and talking about him potentially leaving is hardly the ideal stance to take. Chiellini says it himself: "Pogba is the biggest talent in international football in his position." Perhaps not the biggest, but one of the biggest certainly, and the strides he has made so far in his short career are astonishing, to say the least. Pogba is the complete midfielder. He possesses every attribute required to reach the top. Power, aggressiveness, technical talent, height and speed are all his to exert, and he can produce a rasping long shot to boot. http://markting10.nl/ Whether Conte plans to plug him into the regista role in place of Pirlo or remodel the system around him in a different way is unclear, but the obvious moves to limit Pirlo's influence over the team—benched for certain games, contract situation unclear—can only point to the induction of Pogba as a Juve star. The Bianconeri have taken a quizzical approach to the situation, one that simply invites continued speculation for the next several seasons. That Agnelli has said a big-money deal would be tough to resist is a tool international media will use against the club in future transfer windows, and Pogba's early, ambitious move to Turin speaks volumes of the confidence he has in himself. http://markting10.nl/ It will now be excruciating to watch the papers to put two and two together every single transfer window from this point on. Juve need Pogba if they are to build a UEFA Champions League winning side and that has to be the goal. The Turin giants are one of Europe's finest, most storied clubs, and the fans will not be happy selling their star assets off to vultures. A stronger message in the other direction was needed on the subject of Pogba's future, and Agnelli could live to regret his off-the-cuff remarks.